Baseball Bargains

Below you'll find discounts on hotels near stadiums hosting some of your favorite teams. For advice on how to buy tickets, when to plan a trip, and where to snag players' autographs, read Game Plan for Your Spring-Training Trip, our Q&A with baseball expert Chris Epting. 

ARIZONA, The Cactus League:

Scottsdale: San Francisco Giants
The package includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room with a patio at the Caleo Resort & Spa as well as a basket full of baseball snacks (such as popcorn, Cracker Jacks, and licorice), a bucket full of beers, a local map and baseball schedule. Rates are roughly $275-$309 per room, based on dates of travel and availability. Scottsdale Stadium is about a mile and a half away; Caleo provides a free shuttle bus to the stadium and other destinations within three miles. When: Mar. 1-31, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 11.92 percent. Tickets are not included; purchase online at springtraining.com. Contact: 480/945-7666, caleoresort.com.

Tempe: L.A. Angels of Anaheim
The Tempe tourism board has partnered with local hotels to offer discounted stays during spring-training season. Some of the lowest rates are at the Best Western Inn of Tempe near Arizona State University. A one-night stay with complimentary breakfast and free shuttle service to the airport and $5 service (each way) to area stadiums starts at $115 per room during the March games. When: Through Apr. 30, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 12.07 percent. Contact: 480/784.2233, innoftempe.com.

FLORIDA, The Grapefruit League:

Kissimmee: Houston Astros
The package includes a two-night stay in a standard room at Record Parkside Suites in Kissimmee (a motel with a large, outdoor heated pool), a two-door economy-class rental car (Dollar), and two box-seat tickets to a game. Rates start at $202 per couple.Osceola County Stadium is seven miles away. When: Mar. 2-27, 2007; based on availability. Details: Hotel taxes included; rental car taxes add about $20 per couple. Contact: Award Vacations, 877/517-4612, awardvacations.com.

Tampa: New York Yankees 
The package includes a one-night stay for two guests in a standard room at the Quorum, a 272-room Tampa hotel with a large, outdoor heated pool, full breakfasts for two, a complimentary 10-minute seated massage per person, and an autograph kit complete with a baseball, a Sharpie, and a disposable 35mm camera. Rates start at $169 per couple. Legends Field is 2.8 miles from the hotel. When: Mar. 2-27, 2007; based on availability. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 12 percent. Contact: 877/478-6786, quorumtampa.com.